Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 120, May/June 2005 (bottled in November of 2004) Good deep ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose combines musky redcurrant and tobacco. Plush, broad and fine-grained; atypically sexy and showy for this wine, in much the same way that Montelena's basic 2002 Napa cabernet is unusually pliant and rich. Finishes with big, dusty, but rather suave tannins. This offers early accessibility but has the material and structure ...

This wine has a rich, dark color and a classic Cabernet aroma, with currants, red and black fruits, as well as the black tea and licorice notes typical in warmer vintages. The warm cinnamon tone in the background is from the 20% new oak barrels used this year. The big, juicy palate is powered by the same fruits as the nose, layered with spicy notes from the oak. The vintage's slightly high acid levels give the wine brightness, showcased in a medium weight style with good density and grip. The 200...

Rating: (92-95) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 150 on Dec-03

Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Issue 162

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine

Rating: 92-94 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

Rating for United States-California: 95 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>